Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Join Our eNewsletter:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Cross Contamination Question

SLB5757

By SLB5757
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

SLB5757 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted

Hello :)

I have only been gluten-free since last Tuesday, 5/19/09. I am still trying to figure out what to eat/not to eat and cross contamination. I have went about 8 days with virtually no pain until last night after dinner when my sharp left side pain returned briefly. It wasn't to the extent that I had previously - but it was definitely the same.

My question is how much do I have to worry about CC?? My dinner - albeit odd (Im always eating odd combinations now), seemed to be gluten-free. I had Idahoan instant potatoes (original), broccolli steamed, and ham cold cuts that were heated in a frying pan. I also had a "corn pancake" that my mother made for me while trying to help me with my gluten-free baking.

The only thing I can think of is "the ham wasn't gluten-free", or the cornmeal or some other ingredient in her "corn pancake" wasn't gluten-free, orrrrr that maybe I am super sensitive and really did have a reaction to crumbs in the butter container. I have not gotten my own butter and pans yet because I doubted people could really react to such small amounts. I read the label carefully on the ham and it really looked gluten-free. I also verified ingredients with my mom and she only used egg, cornmeal, butter, and I think oil for the corn pancake. Could trace amounts in butter containers really cause a reaction in some people??? Again, the reaction wasn't "That" bad in comparison - just felt that pain that I had pre-gluten free. It was short lived, and I wonder if maybe it wasn't even gas from the broccoli/diet coke combination. I don't want to read too much into this and be ultra-picky about butter or over analyze the situation.

Stacy

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


OptimisticMom42 Apprentice
OptimisticMom42
Posted

Hello Stacy,

Your signature says that you are allergic to corn. Why are you eating it? Sorry to give you my Mom voice but.......stop that! <_<

Eating things that you are allergic to will cause inflammation in your intestines making it painful to pass anything. Corn is hard to digest even if you are not allergic to it. I'm not allergic to corn but it does slow down my digestive system and gives me pokey pains in my left side. Except for the occational taco night with the kids (corn chips) I avoid corn meal.

Hope this helps,

OptimisticMom42

PS Even my dog's food is corn free!

SLB5757 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted
  • Author

Unfortunately I am allergic to MANY things and can't eliminate all of them without starving or eating an ultra bland diet (I think). I haven't updated that signature yet :( I tested positive (4's or 4++) to Wheat, Rye, Barley, Corn, Soy, Peanuts, Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Cinnamon, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Lemons, Grapefruit, Green Pepper, Potato, Tomato, Beans, Lettuce, Carrot, Celery, Peas...ummmm and pollens, trees, grasses, molds, dusts, weeds, all animals - etc. I had a post somewhere in the pre-diagnosis and testing forum that listed them all specifically. I just don't think I can eliminate all of those foods and stay healthy. Right now I am 5 feet and 105 lbs so I am at a good weight - I don't want to get back to 92 lbs. because Im only eating rice and ensure :(

What I am trying to do first is eliminate just the gluten grains in hopes that I am still able to eat the things like the veggies and potatoes and even corn. If I am still having issues I was going to eliminate the corn, potato, tomato and lastly the important veggies I don't want to have to get rid of :(

Maybe I will have to take out Corn no matter what - but I can tell you I definitely feel 90 percent better taking out the gluten :)

SLB5757 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted
  • Author
Hello Stacy,

Your signature says that you are allergic to corn. Why are you eating it? Sorry to give you my Mom voice but.......stop that! <_<

Eating things that you are allergic to will cause inflammation in your intestines making it painful to pass anything. Corn is hard to digest even if you are not allergic to it. I'm not allergic to corn but it does slow down my digestive system and gives me pokey pains in my left side. Except for the occational taco night with the kids (corn chips) I avoid corn meal.

Hope this helps,

OptimisticMom42

PS Even my dog's food is corn free!

Sorry - I saw this AFTER I typed my novel of a response. I didn't realize corn was so harsh on my digestive system. i will try cutting out Gluten and corn and see how that goes for me - maybe at least corn light and no corn pancakes like I have eaten for two days. They were just so darned yummy!!! I thought I had found a great bread substitute :(

OptimisticMom42 Apprentice
OptimisticMom42
Posted

Wow!

You've got it tough. I'm still hoping that some of my allergies will subside as my intestine heals. This morning I'm trying hard not to itch my eye's. I tried ketchup a couple days ago and found it had enough celery to make my eyelids swell and itch. I can't imagine trying to avoid all the things you've listed.

Are you able to use an antihistamine? So far the meds scare me as much as the foods do. My co-worker (celiac with OCD) uses dapsone. My son is using zyprexia (celiac with bi-polar). I don't have any of the brain/mental symptoms and I had a reaction to sudafed so I'm not taking anything. Just using topical allergy cream on the itchy spots, tart cherry juice for inflammation and magnesium to keep my digestive system moving.

You are the only person I've seen on here that shares my allergy to the celery family. Nice to meet you! How do you deal with it?

Most Humble Apologies for using my Mom voice on you :unsure:

OptimisticMom42

SLB5757 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted
  • Author
Wow!

You've got it tough. I'm still hoping that some of my allergies will subside as my intestine heals. This morning I'm trying hard not to itch my eye's. I tried ketchup a couple days ago and found it had enough celery to make my eyelids swell and itch. I can't imagine trying to avoid all the things you've listed.

Are you able to use an antihistamine? So far the meds scare me as much as the foods do. My co-worker (celiac with OCD) uses dapsone. My son is using zyprexia (celiac with bi-polar). I don't have any of the brain/mental symptoms and I had a reaction to sudafed so I'm not taking anything. Just using topical allergy cream on the itchy spots, tart cherry juice for inflammation and magnesium to keep my digestive system moving.

You are the only person I've seen on here that shares my allergy to the celery family. Nice to meet you! How do you deal with it?

Most Humble Apologies for using my Mom voice on you :unsure:

OptimisticMom42

Hello - and ha ha about the mom voice. I know it all to well as I use it frequently with my 10 and 4 year old!!

I like you seem to be constantly itchy or sneezy. My eyes have always been sensitive - esp. Last night for some reason. Maybe it was all of the corn. I don't think I had celery in anything - but I honestly never check for that. I still eat most everything I have allergies to except the gluten grains. I can't imagine eliminating everything.

As far as an antihistamine I just picked up Claritin ready tabs to try. They are gluten and lactose free also. The Claritin pills are not lactose free. The doctor prescribed me an inhaler and Singulair tabs and some shot called XOLAIR for the allergies too - but I am only trying the Claritin for now. I started taking Nexium 3 mos. ago and that helps with some tummy troubles. I would probably benefit from something like your co-worker or son takes but Im kind of anti-medicine and more natural. I really only take Tylenol. Nexium was my first daily medicine and Claritin - if I can handle it - will be my second.

Glad to see someone else shares some of my allergen issues!! Nice to meet ya :)

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

Your original question went unanswered. Yes, you can react to tiny crumbs of gluten in the butter. The longer you are gluten-free, the more sensiitve you may become. I know I did. I was getting sick and couldn't figure out why. My husband was sharing the peanut butter and jelly! I didn't even think he liked them! The saying goes "a crumb is as bad as a loaf". Your body only recognizes the enemy and attacks it with antibodies. It doesn't really care if it's a tiny little bit or a bigger chunk, then you are going to feel bad.

You may find it hard to believe but your body believes and is giving you pain as a result.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to yellowstone's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Has someone experienced discrimination because of their illness?

      Regarding the discrimination you asked about, it is a lot more easy now to discriminate when you're supposed to answer whether or not you have celiac disease on job applications, and from what I've seen, MANY companies now include this question on their applications:
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      2

      When Home Isn't Safe: Celiac Disease, Cross-Contamination, and the Right to a Gluten-Free Space

      It's too bad relationships end because of this disease, but I suppose that being healthy may be more important than being married or living with someone who isn't on board with the gluten-free diet.
    3. Flash1970
      - Flash1970 commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      2

      When Home Isn't Safe: Celiac Disease, Cross-Contamination, and the Right to a Gluten-Free Space

      This is a huge topic. My ex husband didn't care. Even though I had my own area where his food wasn't allowed, I'd find crumbs. I was always constantly cleaning. I threw a lot of food away because I wouldn't be sure if he had contaminated it. It really showed what a narcissistic person he was and is. Now I'm in my own home. Much better. I do have dogs...
    4. Russ H
      - Russ H posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      Fiber-Metabolizing Bacteria Could Boost Gut Health in Celiac Disease

      People with coeliac disease have an altered gut biome compared with those who do not, which may be associated with gut inflammation. Although the gut biome recovers on a gluten-free diet, there are still significant differences at 2 years. In a mouse model of coeliac disease, supplementation with the soluble dietary fibre, inulin, increased the number...
    5. suek54
      - suek54 replied to Ginger38's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      46

      Shaking/Tremors and Off Balance

      Hi Ginger38 Well done you for pushing through the pain barrier of eating gluten, when you know each mouthful is making you poorly. I went through the same thing not long ago, my biopsy was for dermatitis herpetiformis. Result positive, so 95% certain I have gut coeliacs too. But my bloods were negative, so very pleased I went for the gluten challenge...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,943
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      10,442
    Asticou
    Newest Member
    Asticou
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Has someone experienced discrimination because of their illness?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Regarding the discrimination you asked about, it is a lot more easy now to discriminate when you're supposed to answer whether or not you have celiac disease on job applications, and from what I've seen, MANY companies now include this question on their applications:  
    • Russ H
      Fiber-Metabolizing Bacteria Could Boost Gut Health in Celiac Disease

      By Russ H · Posted

      People with coeliac disease have an altered gut biome compared with those who do not, which may be associated with gut inflammation. Although the gut biome recovers on a gluten-free diet, there are still significant differences at 2 years. In a mouse model of coeliac disease, supplementation with the soluble dietary fibre, inulin, increased the number of beneficial microbes and reduced gut inflammation. Inulin is used by some plants as carbohydrate store, it is a complex polymer of fructose in the same way that starch is a complex polymer of glucose. Inulin cannot be digested by humans but serves as food source for some gut bacteria. Inulin is present in many vegetables but the richest sources are (g/100g): chicory root 41.6 Jerusalem artichoke 18.0 dandelion greens 13.5 garlic 12.5 leeks 6.5 onions 4.3 The Scientist: Fiber-Metabolizing Bacteria Could Boost Gut Health in Celiac Disease    
    • suek54
      Shaking/Tremors and Off Balance

      By suek54 · Posted

      Hi Ginger38 Well done you for pushing through the pain barrier of eating gluten, when you know each mouthful is making you poorly.  I went through the same thing not long ago, my biopsy was for dermatitis herpetiformis. Result positive, so 95% certain I have gut coeliacs too. But my bloods were negative, so very pleased I went for the gluten challenge and biopsy.  Hang on in there. Sue
    • Scott Adams
      Has someone experienced discrimination because of their illness?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      When symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or low energy change how we interact, others sometimes misinterpret that as disinterest, rudeness, or negativity—especially if they don’t understand the underlying condition. That doesn’t make their behavior okay, though. You don’t deserve to be treated poorly for something outside your control. Often, it reflects a lack of awareness or empathy on their part, not a fault in you. It can help to explain your condition to people you trust, but it’s also completely valid to set boundaries and distance yourself from those who respond with hostility. Your experience—and your reaction to it—makes sense. The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.      
    • Scott Adams
      HLA-DQ2 POSITIVE it's nothing

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Being HLA-DQ2 positive doesn’t diagnose celiac disease by itself, but it does mean he has the genetic potential for it, so it absolutely deserves careful follow-up if symptoms or concerns are present. You’re right that celiac is often downplayed, but it’s a serious autoimmune condition—not an allergy—and it can affect the brain, nervous system, and overall health if untreated. Given everything your son has been through, you’re doing the right thing by advocating and asking questions. I would strongly recommend getting a full copy of his records, and if possible, consulting a gastroenterologist who understands celiac disease well so you can get clear answers and, if needed, proper testing and monitoring.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.